“From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to
Bethel…where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name
of the LORD.”
(Genesis 13:3–4; New International Version)
Genesis 13 brings us once again to Abram, journeying back toward the land promised by God, after a detour in Egypt (Genesis 12:10–20). Notice carefully Abram’s first action upon returning—he revisits the very place at Bethel where he had previously built an altar to God (Genesis 12:8). Here he calls again on the name of the Lord.
In Hebrew culture, building altars had great spiritual significance, symbolizing places of encounter, worship, and remembrance. The Hebrew phrase “called on the name of the LORD” (Hebrew: ויקרא בשם יהוה, vayikra b’shem Adonai) implies more than casual prayer. It includes worship, proclamation, and publicly acknowledging God’s faithfulness and authority.
For mature Christian readers today, this moment reflects a critical spiritual lesson: genuine worship and renewal begin by returning to foundational points of God’s faithfulness. Abram returns deliberately to remembered intimacy with God. Likewise, when spiritual drifting or personal compromise occurs, Scripture consistently calls us back to places of first devotion, simple obedience, sincere worship, and joyful surrender to God (cf. Revelation 2:4–5).
Reflect for a moment on your spiritual pilgrimage. Is there a “Bethel” to revisit—some place or time when God’s grace was especially vivid, your communion unshaken, your dedication clear and simple? Perhaps returning to such spiritual altars can renew our faith, refresh our vision, and restore our intimacy with God.
Suggested Cross-References: Revelation 2:4–5; Isaiah 55:6–7; Psalm 51:10–13.
“Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan…was
like the garden of the LORD… Lot chose for himself the whole plain of
the Jordan and set out toward the east.”
(Genesis 13:10–11; New International Version)
Genesis 13 contrasts two family members—Abram and Lot—in a moment of decision characterized by a separation for practical reasons. With grazing conflict developing among their shepherds, separation becomes necessary to maintain harmony. Abram nobly allows Lot first choice, demonstrating a humility and trust in God’s provision and promise. Lot, seeing only earthly prosperity, selects the fertile Jordan Valley—land tragically adjacent to morally destructive cultures (including Sodom).
The text subtly draws our attention repeatedly eastward—an intriguing biblical direction symbolically associated with departure from God’s presence (cf. Genesis 3:24; 11:2). Lot’s movement toward “the east” quietly foreshadows eventual problems arising because of superficial values and God-neglecting ambition. Augustine noted here how subtly human desires seeking self-gratification could lead us away from deeper God-centered devotion. Calvin warned similarly: “Lot’s eyes fixed upon earthly comforts blinded him from the moral harms lurking nearby.”
Modern Western culture remains especially susceptible to Lot’s orientation—prosperity over prayer, comfort over conviction, material wealth over moral spiritual wholeness. Abram’s humble confidence in God’s promise provides Christians a profound counter-example: not grasping greedily but choosing generously, trusting in God’s providential care.
Suggested Cross-References: Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 16:2–3; 1 John 2:15–17.
“The LORD said to Abram after Lot parted from him, ‘Look around…
all the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring
forever.’”
(Genesis 13:14–15; New International Version)
After Lot’s departure, God responds graciously to Abram’s humility and deference, renewing divine promises even more expansively. Abram’s loss (humanly speaking—a better land region) becomes the opportunity God offers for renewed perspective and expanded blessing. The Hebrew verb used here, “Look around” (שָׂא נָא עֵינֶיךָ, sa na einekha), has an emphatic force—a deliberate looking, seeing with faith.
This call for faithful vision continues reaching us today. Abram’s God-centered decisions opened up God’s larger vision and secured a lasting legacy—a theological theme Paul later highlights, affirming that Abraham’s faith rooted firmly in divine promise set the pattern for true spiritual descendants (Romans 4; Galatians 3).
Today’s disciples of Christ likewise need continual reinforcement: following God sometimes means surrendering immediate desires or practical advantages for greater spiritual goals and higher eternal purposes. Abram saw spiritually what Lot missed: true blessing transcends mere temporary prosperity. Real wealth involves profound relational blessing, purposeful calling, and eternally secured divine commitment.
Suggested Cross-References: Colossians 3:1–3; Hebrews 11:10–16; Proverbs 3:5–6.
Genesis 13 situates historically and geographically within the Bronze Age nomadic migrations (circa 2000–1800 BC), as archaeological evidence consistently supports. Abram’s lifestyle correlates authentically to ancient Near Eastern nomadic customs documented archaeologically—movements prompted by water access and grazing conflicts. Abram’s lifestyle (tent-dwelling pastoralism) aligns clearly with historical realities depicted in unearthed texts and cultural inscriptions of the Bronze Age Patriarchal period.
Moreover, culturally significant is Abram’s humility inviting Lot’s first choice: ancient Middle Eastern traditions generally valued seniority rights in family decisions profoundly. Abram generously forgoes his cultural rights, demonstrating profound relational trust in God surpassing social expectations.
Genesis 13 masterfully weaves narrative literary techniques, especially subtle foreshadowing. Lot’s eastward move anticipates trouble (Genesis 19), contrasting Abram’s westward choice that symbolizes deeper commitment toward divine covenant realities.
Reflect specifically today upon “Be Thou My Vision,” an ancient Irish hymn (translated by Mary Byrne; versified by Eleanor Hull). It movingly encapsulates central themes of Genesis 13: vision beyond mere earthly prosperity toward eternal significance rooted wholly upon divine guidance.
Genesis 13 sharply challenges contemporary disciples toward courageous, humble, trusting reliance upon God’s deeper promises rather than temporary comforts. Our lives continually present choices similar to Abram and Lot: whether grasping selfishly for world’s immediate rewards or enabling gracious trust in sovereign God’s comprehensive, long-term promises.
Today, let us choose firmly in trustful humility, grounding deeply upon God’s faithful covenantal love manifested ultimately through Jesus Christ. Like Abram, let us return continually to genuine worship altars, confident again in divine graciousness and expanded blessing waiting generously beyond immediate sacrifices.
Heavenly Father, giver of promises eternal and true,
Teach us Abram-like confidence—trusting humbly even amid life’s
uncertainties.
Sentimentally detach our stubborn grip upon superficial, temporary
riches or comforts.
Make our vision genuinely shaped by deeper eternal covenant promises
secured firmly in Jesus Christ.
Return our hearts frequently toward genuine communion and worship of You
alone.
Guide wisdom in choices daily, trusting richly in Your providential
care.
Make Your gracious promise visible broadly, calling others ever closer
toward Himself,
We offer this prayer through Christ, Your promise fulfilled perfectly.
Amen.